Darron Gibson welcomed a group of loyal Blues fans to Finch Farm recently to wish them well ahead of their mammoth bike ride next week to raise money for two of the Club's charities.

Members of the Mid Cheshire, Southport Independent Blues, Taxi Club Blues, Lancaster and Morecombe, Croxteth Blues, Walnut Blues, Ellesmere Port and Denbigh Supporters' Clubs will travel up to the North East to watch the Blues take on Sunderland on 20 April but instead of returning on their usual coaches, they will cycle the 202 miles back to Goodison Park.

The group are taking on the expedition, affectionately named the 'We're Everton Aren't We' tour, in a bid to raise £50,000 for Everton in the Community and the Everton Former Players' Foundation, a charity that provides help and support to any former Blue who has made at least one first team appearance for the Club.

To help the avid Blues prepare for the bike ride, Gibson handed over some fitness advice to ensure they are match-fit to complete the challenge.

Darron said: "This is a really big challenge for the boys - I wish them the best of luck! Riding all that way is not something I would relish, so fair play to the lads for doing it. I hope the fans get right behind them and donate anything they can afford as the charities they are fundraising for are really worthy causes."

They will kick-off their bike ride on Sunday 21 April and are hoping to arrive back at Goodison Park four days later.

Kenneth Sweeney, Secretary of the Everton Mid Cheshire Supporters Club has organised the ride and praised the charitable work of the club.

Ken said: "When you see the work that Everton in the Community carry out at Alder Hey Children's Hospital and the initiatives like the dementia programme, it shows just how important these charities are and it spurs you on.

"The charities improve people's lives and make a real difference to our communities. If every Evertonian gave a pound we'd easily reach our target."

The cyclists will be fundraising in the Everton Fan Zone ahead of the QPR game today, so make sure you go along and show your support!